Union Minister Giriraj Singh Launches “Smart Gram Panchayat” Initiative with PM-WANI Wi-Fi Services in Begusarai, Bihar

Begusarai: Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shri Giriraj Singh, inaugurated a groundbreaking initiative today at Paprour Gram Panchayat in Begusarai District, Bihar, marking a significant stride towards digital empowerment in rural India. The pilot project, titled ‘Smart Gram Panchayat: Revolution towards Digitization of Gram Panchayat,’ aims to extend PM-WANI (Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) services to all Gram Panchayats across Begusarai District, making it the first district in Bihar to provide Wi-Fi services under the PM-WANI Scheme.

In his address, Shri Giriraj Singh underscored the importance of leveraging technology for the development of rural communities. He highlighted various schemes introduced by the Central Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aimed at empowering rural areas through digital initiatives.

Shri Singh emphasized the necessity for Panchayat representatives and functionaries to embrace technology for the holistic development of Gram Panchayats. He urged individuals of all ages and backgrounds to adopt technology as an integral part of their lives, emphasizing its transformative impact.

The introduction of Wi-Fi services in Gram Panchayats aligns with the government’s vision for positive change in various aspects of rural life. Union Minister Shri Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and empowerment, including the ambitious goal of making 3 crore women ‘Lakhpati Didis.’

Encouraging local residents and Panchayat representatives to collaborate for the overall development of their villages, Shri Giriraj Singh highlighted the transformative power of technology in gradually turning villages into Smart Panchayats and smart communities. He emphasized the potential of technology to make villages smarter over time, addressing evolving needs with strategic implementation.

The Union Minister elaborated on the transformative potential of user-friendly and uninterrupted Wi-Fi services, emphasizing their benefits to various segments of rural society, including women self-help groups, Aajeevika Didis, Banking Correspondent Sakhi, farmers, and students. He highlighted their pivotal role in developing a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

Shri Giriraj Singh emphasized that Wi-Fi services’ accessibility in rural areas will catalyze growth across sectors and significantly enhance existing ones. He praised the PM-WANI Scheme as revolutionary, providing seamless internet connectivity to promote Digital India and bolster the vision of a self-reliant India.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the enthusiastic participation of local residents, Panchayat representatives, members of Women Self-Help Groups, Village Organizations, and Cluster Level Federations. Officials from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Department of Telecommunications, State Department of Panchayati Raj, District Administration, District Panchayat, and representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions also attended the event at Paprour Gram Panchayat in Begusarai District.

With uninterrupted and reliable Wi-Fi internet services through PM-WANI, Gram Panchayats can facilitate developmental initiatives in education, healthcare, agriculture, e-Governance, skill development, and economic opportunities. This initiative plays a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth, empowering Gram Panchayats to contribute meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted connectivity is a significant step towards socio-economic development in rural India.